Hardy

Known for its natural beauty, the Spring River in north Arkansas is a fantastic place to spend a fall weekend, with canoeing, fishing and camping options galore. But if you’re in the mood for a fun day trip off the water, check out the offerings in Hardy, where antiques and crafts abound on Main Street, and there are plenty of unexpected options to choose from.

Shopping
A great first stop is The Hardy Pottery, where owners Dale and Liane Maddox have been creating their own pottery for years. Not only can you choose from numerous colorways in the Maddoxes’ own wares, they also offer work by other Arkansans, including handmade jewelry and beautiful gifts. Quincy’s Corner features fun and colorful clothing and gifts for children and babies, from special-occasion outfits to play clothes and diaper bags. The well-stocked bookstore, Words, is tucked just off Main Street on Spring in an old home, with cookbooks arranged in the original kitchen and a special section for the works of local authors. And for home design with an Ozark flair, Sassy Tree offers candles, collectibles and accessories.

To take home a unique piece of Hardy, stop in Flat Creek Dulcimer Shop, where you can browse locally made dulcimers and enjoy the traditional music. Miller’s Leather Shop also offers many local items, including belts, wallets and even holsters. And you’ll definitely want to check out the Razorback-themed goodies at the Red Hog Shop.

Antiques, however, are the town’s main attraction. Shops and malls line the street, and you can find anything from fine crystal to mid-century kitchenwares to toys from the 1980s. Starks Antiques has a great selection of beautiful glassware, linens and furnishings. For china and vintage jewelry and purses, as well as reproduction fabric from the 1940s and cute note cards and books, Tall Cotton is a must-stop, and Memory Lane is the place to go for the true antique mall experience, with two floors of booths to explore. At Hardy Furniture and Antiques, the outdoor area is literally filled with 1950s lawn furniture that’s just waiting for a colorful paint job, and curiosities like an old horse-drawn buggy.

Dining
When it’s time to grab a bite, or a shot of caffeine, the place to go is Afterwords, a coffee shop connected to Words bookstore. The coffee is strong, the sandwiches are yummy, and there are always specials on the chalkboard. We loved the chocolate muffin shots, filled with cream cheese and a flavor shot, and fresh-squeezed lemonade, and we’re definitely intrigued with the s’mores platter, served with a fire bowl for tableside toasting. The Quincy’s Corner Tea Room is open for lunch with seating upstairs and on the patio, and The Corner Booth is a great spot for waffles in the morning. But, if you just want to refresh yourself with an ice cream cone and pick up some local foods and candy, try the Old Time Candy Shoppe.

Other Attractions
For history of a different kind, visit the Good Ole Days Vintage Motorcar Museum, where you can see antique, collectible and classic cars dating back as far as 1908. When it’s time to tuck in for the night, check into the Olde Stonehouse Bed and Breakfast, in the heart of Hardy, for 1920s atmosphere furnished with antiques. Or rent a cabin through 3 Rivers Outfitters, where they can also set up a float trip for novice or advanced canoers and rafters and outfit you with all the latest
in fly-fishing gear.